Theatre Review - JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN - ASSEMBLY ROOMS, DURHAM

JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN

Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis

Directed by Jake Murray

Elysium Theatre Company (Twitter @ElysiumTc)

Assembly Rooms, Durham.

14^th May 2018

Home, Manchester (homemcr.org)

16-19^th May 2018

We were warmly welcomed by the Theatre Manager upon arrival at The Assembly rooms Durham and though not full, there was a good atmosphere for this Northern Premier!

JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN is a dark comedy exploring the contradictory nature of faith from Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis (The Mother f***er with the Hat).

Set inside Rikers Island prison, New York, the naive Angel Cruz (Danny Solomon) a 30-year-old bicycle messenger is awaiting trial for the Murder of a religious cult leader.

While on ‘lock down’ the terrified Angel is befriended by a charismatic Serial Killer Lucius Jenkins. (Faz Singhateh) With the ‘Superstar’ status afforded to Serial Killers, Lucius has groomed his gaoler (Charlie DiAmico) resulting in him being replaced by the sadistic no nonsense Valdez (Alastair Gillies). Lucius has found God and been ‘born again’, and now, Angel's life and the course of his trial will be forever changed.

Danny Solomon brings a sensitivity to the role of Angel with Faz Singhateh putting in a brilliant performance as he wrestles mentally with his past deeds and future. Alastair Gillies put the fear into a serial killer perfectly and Alice Bryony Frankham is a delight to watch as she knowingly takes the wrong path whist trying to save Angel.

The script is punchy, and this cast of 5 delivered each blow expertly. The clever set and lighting created the illusion of 2 side-by-side cages; without obscuring the actors whatsoever! A table and 2 chairs front stage left used for Cruz’s interviews with his Lawyer Mary Jane Hanrahan (Alice Bryony Frankham) and a giant American flag as the backdrop was perfect for this edgy production.

This highly talented cast never missed a beat through the skilful direction of Jake Murray who has certainly made the most of this well written, thought provoking play.